THE SEASIDE SISTERS takes a turn that will make you unable to put this beautiful story down. If you are a fan of Debbie Macomber, you are going to love this author’s books! Hannah decides to leave Brooklyn, New York to spend the summer with her aunt and hopefully reset. Her sister Sara still lives there and Hannah would love to spend more time with her as they just lost their mother recently. Hannah will also have a chance to reconnect with Spencer, a grumpy neighbor of Aunt Maddie’s. THE SEASIDE SISTERS is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Pamela Kelley was taking us and what would happen to Hannah and Sara. There is so much heart in Pamela’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Fresh Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

You can read my full review at:

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=86963

After losing their mother, stay-at-home mother Sara encourages her sister Hannah to spend the summer at Cape Cod. Hannah is having writer's block and a change of scenery might help. With her youngest in school, Sara finds a part-time job at the bookstore, but her husband isn't that supportive. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a pleasant read that I enjoyed, but probably won't remember.

Pamela Kelley has done it again. With THE SEASIDE SISTERS, the story of two sisters reconnecting with one another and themselves in Chatham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, the beach and summer pleasures combine to deliver a heartwarming, wonderful read. There's romance, the highs and lows of getting a career going from a dead stop, family relationships, and sisterhood in all its dimensions. I particularly enjoyed reading about Hannah's experience of being a writer and her sister Sara's yearning to be more than an overwhelmed mother in a dead marriage -- these felt so genuine and fascinating in Kelley's capable hands. I deeply enjoyed this book, feeling that ocean breeze -- a must-read for this summer -- and all the years to come. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

A young writer experiencing writer’s block returns home to Chatham, Massachusetts for the summer in hopes of spending some time with family and completing her second novel. Chatham, Massachusetts sounds like the cutest, quaintest little town. This is totally like a Hallmark movie.

Brooklyn-based Hannah is a bestselling author struggling to write her second book after personal losses. Her older sister, Sara, once a dedicated librarian, dreams of reviving her love affair with literature. The pair will spend the summer in Chatham making friends, rekindling romance, and opening themselves up to the magic of books and the beach.

This is perfect summer read. I really enjoyed it.

This is available today June 4, 2024.

Thank you to @stmartinspress, @netgalley and @pamelamkelley for the advanced reading copy.

#stmartinspress #chatham #theseasidesisters #newpub #newlypublished #happypub #family #romance #contemporaryromance #chicklit #booksaboutbooks #fiction #bookstagram #read #contemporaryreads #mbbookies🦬

The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley
Contemporary chick lit, women’s fiction with romance. Multiple POV.
After a personal loss and now suffering from panic attacks, Hannah Brewster is struggling to write her second book. She accepts an invite to return home to Chatham, Cape Cod for the summer. She’s hoping that being back in her home town will help her reconnect with life, family and hope. Plus, she’ll be able to spend time with her sister Sara.
Sara is married with four children and feels stuck in her life. So many family responsibilities and no time for herself. Sara gets a job at a local bookstore which puts pressure on other needed changes in her life.
Aunt Maddie is having her own marriage issues. Having Hannah and Sara back in her life for the summer helps her make some of her own changes.
It’s a summer of family.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook which was narrated by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. There are distinct voices for the main three women in the story bit for me they did tend to blend together. I had to listen closely to the beginning of each section or chapter to make sure I knew who I was following. Of course, they lead very different lives with different issues so the content was easily allocated. There were no drastic emotions so the audiobook was smooth and well modulated with no discernible subsequent editing. It was a wonderful performance overall. I listened to this at 1.5 which is my preferred speed.

Choosing between an ebook and audiobook is really choosing between two different experiences. For this book, I would recommend the ebook simply because of the multiple POV’s and inconsistencies of when the POV changes occur.

Family and personal connections, self respect, confidence and most importantly, happiness in the one life we get to lead.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.

I love anything written by Pamela M. Kelley! And The Seaside Sisters by Kelley is another charming story that sucked me in immediately.
I loved being at Chatham, Cape Cod with these endearing characters.
The vivid descriptions and details really set the scene here.
Hannah and Sara showed real, raw emotions that I couldn’t get enough literally feel. It was so amazing.
Her stories will have you emotionally drawn in and craving her next book!
A great summer/beach read!

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela M Kelly for allowing me to read the advanced copy.
In the book, the seaside sisters, we follow two sisters, Hannah a published author and Sarah I stay at home mom who’s looking to get back into the workforce. In addition, we also meet their aunt Maggie, who works in the publishing industry, but is separated from her husband. All of this takes place in the Seaside community and Hometown of Chatham.
When we first meet Hannah we find out that her mother has recently passed away and both Maggie and Sarah are also having trouble coming to terms with it. Hannah has decided that she is going to go home for the summer to try and help her riders block but she is staying with her aunt Maggie because she cannot stay in her childhood home.
I had high hopes for this book being a summary read, but unfortunately it is very dry. Not much romance. In my opinion Hannah is thousands of miles away. Sarah‘s husband is unsupportive her looking for a job and Maggie. Well unfortunately I just really couldn’t figure out why they were split,
Thanks of some of the food descriptions And the setting I think this is the only thing that saved it from a two to a three sorry if you’re looking for a grab you some romance this just isn’t it.

Hannah is a writer living in NYC when she experiences a bout of writers block and decides to head to her hometown of Chatham, MA for the summer and live with her aunt Maddie. Going home is hard for Hannah as she and her sister, Sara recently lost their mom.

Hannah, Sara and Maddie each deal with challenges in their love life, while dealing with the grief of their mom/sister.

As Hannah tries to write her next novel, she get encouragement from Maddie's neighbor Joy who just so happens to have an attractive and single grandson. Watching her subtly play matchmaker was one of the best parts of the book. Joy encourages Maddie to shadow her grandson at his law firm since once of Hannah's characters is a lawyer. As the summer ensues, Hannah finds herself immersing herself in life on Cape Cod and in the arms of a handsome attorney.

I enjoyed Kelley's THE BOOKSHOP BY THE BAY, and if you did, too, you'll see some familiar characters.

A sweet story for a day at the beach, pool or anywhere you enjoy reading.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Hannah is an author with a best seller, she is so excited when she found out, coupled with the stress of her mother death and the breakup of her relationship she ends up in the ER with chest pains only to find out she had a panic attack and needs to reduce her stress level.

Heading out to her childhood surrounds Chatham Cape Cod to stay with her Aunt Maddie, she is trying to break her writers block so her unfinished book will talk to her again. Her sister Sarah also lives in Chatham and going through her own inner problem, wanting to get back in the work force and wants a spark in her marriage. When both sisters find out about Aunt Maddie and her husband, they are both shocked.

This is a very light read and wonderful for a beach read. Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend for anyone.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced digital read in exchange for my honest review.

Hannah and Sara are the sisters referenced in the title. Sara lives in Chatham, Cape Cod and Hannah in Brooklyn. When Hannah is dealing with writer’s block on her book, she escapes to her aunt Maddie’s home on the Cape and rediscovers her love for the area. Sara is a married mom of four, who feels underappreciated by her family and seeks to have something outside the home. This book had a lot of great descriptions of the area and the food, but overall the story moved very slowly.

The Seaside Sisters is the perfect beach read to start your summer reading!

We are engrossed in the lives of Hannah, Sara, and Aunt Maddie. Sara and Aunt Maddie live in Chatham, Cape Cod. Hannah lives in Brooklyn and is best selling author who has been trying to finish her next book but has been having bad writer's block.

Hannah decides to head up to Chatham to spend time on the Cape with her family for the summer. This story makes you want to book a trip to Chatham immediately. From the feel-good small town to the friendly neighbors and the beautiful beachy atmosphere. It is perfect!

Hannah’s sister Sara married with four boys. Since all of her boys are in school she gets a job at the bookstore that she loves.

I enjoyed following the lives of these ladies. From Hannah’s writing routines to her love life. I was on edge at times seeing Sara trying to juggle everything while her husband was out doing his own thing.

If you have read The Bookshop By The Bay you will recognize some familiar characters.

This is a perfect cozy beach read that will make feel like you are friends with each character. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The plot was typical for a Pamela Kelley novel, but still enjoyable. Although I loved the novel is primarily set in Chatham and the author uses real places from all over the cape, I was dismayed that she chose to use a real life tragedy that occurred in Wellfleet regarding the horrible death of a young man from a shark attack. This was a terrible day, forever seared in our memory, and for the author to use it as fodder in her book is horrible at the very least . I hope his family never reads her casually mentioning it as a throw away in her novel. It was not necessary, thoughtful or kind.

Pamela M. Kelley’s "The Seaside Sisters" is a heartwarming and reflective tale of family, love, and personal growth set against the picturesque backdrop of Cape Cod. The novel follows two sisters, Hannah and Sara, as they navigate through personal challenges and rediscover themselves over a transformative summer.

Hannah, a bestselling author, is struggling with writer’s block and personal losses. Seeking solace and inspiration, she retreats to her aunt’s oceanfront house in Chatham. This summer getaway not only offers her a chance to reconnect with her passion for writing but also provides an opportunity to bond with her sister Sara. Sara, a former librarian overwhelmed by family responsibilities and a stagnant marriage, dreams of reigniting her love for literature and finding fulfillment beyond her domestic life.

The novel’s setting is beautifully rendered, with Kelley capturing the charm and tranquility of Cape Cod. The seaside locale plays a significant role in the story, providing a serene backdrop for the sisters’ journey of self-discovery and healing. The narrative explores themes of sisterhood, the power of books, and the rejuvenating effect of a change in scenery.

While "The Seaside Sisters" excels in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, it falls short in some areas. The plot is predictable, with few surprises to keep the reader fully engaged. The romantic subplot involving Spencer, an old high school acquaintance turned attractive grump, follows a familiar pattern and lacks depth. The characters, though relatable, sometimes feel underdeveloped, and their personal struggles and resolutions are often portrayed in a somewhat simplistic manner.

However, Kelley’s writing shines in her depiction of the sisters’ relationship. The bond between Hannah and Sara is heartfelt and genuine, providing the emotional core of the story. Their interactions and shared moments of reflection are touching and realistic, making their individual journeys more compelling.

In summary, "The Seaside Sisters" is a pleasant and easy read that offers a comforting escape to a beautiful seaside town. While the story may not break new ground in terms of plot or character development, it succeeds in delivering a feel-good narrative about family, love, and personal growth. It’s a suitable choice for readers looking for a light, heartwarming summer read.

“Seaside Sisters” by Pamela M Kelley is a wonderful beach read to add to your beach bag this summer! Set in Chatham, MA with well developed and relatable characters. Highly recommend this book.

Hannah is struggling with writer’s block, while sister Sara feels trapped in her role as wife and mother. When their aunt offers Hannah the use of her beachfront home near Cape Cod for the summer, she jumps at the chance to get away from the city *and spend more time with her sister. When the summer is over, however, she’s reluctant to return to Brooklyn...for a variety of reasons.

I’d never read anything by this author before, but when her stories were compared to those of Mary Kay Andrews, an author whose books I adore, I decided to take a chance... and am glad I did.

I love the relationship between the sisters and their aunt, and the way they are so supportive of one another, each encouraging the others to confront their issues, to take a chance and to be open to new adventures. I’ve never been to Cape Cod, but I felt like I was on the beach with the characters, feeling the sea breeze and hearing the ocean.

Most of the plot of this book was predictable, with a few bumps and twists along the way for each of the primary characters, but I enjoyed the story just the same. While I want the mystery books I usually read to be as unpredictable as possible, I don’t mind if the plot of a well-written beach read is exactly what I was anticipating.

I have added several other books by Ms. Kelley to my to-read shelf and look forward to reading them when I’m in the mood for a relaxing time by the beach.

Hannah, who is a debut novelist, is having a hard time writing the next book. Her personal life is falling apart and not sure what to do. Her Aunt Maddie has suggested moving to Chatham, Cape Cod for the Summer. Will a change of pace be the key? Being around her aunt and talking with her sister Sara, the block has eased up. Sara is going through some turmoil in her life. Being a stay at home mom is no easy task. The kids are all in school and she wants a part-time job. When she finds a job that she loves, her home life is falling apart. Sometimes you have to run away with your sister to find yourself. Hannah has made friends and even went out on some dates. Her Summer is coming to an end. Brooklyn has been her home for the past 10 years. Will she go back to all that she knows and renew her lease? Or will she move to Chatham, the place she grew up and made new friends? Will Spenser, and old new friend, figure into her decision? Home is where your heart is.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy. The Seaside Sisters is the first book that I have read by Pamela M. Kelley. It is set on Cape Cod and follows two sisters after the loss of their mother. Hannah is home for the summer to finish writing her second novel and Sara is a stay at home mother looking for employment. Some other characters include their Aunt Maddie, Spencer, Tom, and many more. The Seaside Sisters is a good light-hearted summer read. I enjoyed the story.

The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley is a wonderful and cozy story about family and the struggles they endure while trying to find happiness and contentment. It’s about friends, family, neighbors, going through life's passages and struggles to find happiness. Enjoy whale watching, cookouts, seafood, book writing club, and gorgeous summer days and events shared by two sisters and their aunt in the town of Chatham on Cape Cod.

Hannah, a bestselling romance author, is having a bit of writer’s block leaves her Brooklyn apartment to spend the summer at her aunt’s house in Chatham. There she meets two potential love interests while overcoming her writer’s block. Hannah’s sister, Sara, lives in Chatham with her inattentive husband and their three boys; dealing with some marital hiccups while in search of something to call her own. Their aunt is currently going through her own marital strife and professional crossroads. Their three stories are woven into a narrative resulting in happy endings for them all.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Berkley

Can a summer on the Cape reboot their lives?

A trip to the ER after a panic attack shows romance author Hannah Brewster that she needs to do something about the stressors in her life. She just broke up with her boyfriend of two years, her mother passed away from cancer, and even the success of her first published romance novel has a downside….namely the looming contract deadline to submit her second book (the writing of which is not going well at all). Her best friend Lucy suggests that a change of venue might be in order, and Hannah decides to leave Brooklyn and spend the summer in Chatham, MA, in the seaside town of Chatham where she grew up. Her aunt (and literary agent) Maddie lives there with her husband Richie, and so does her older sister Sara, married to Tom and with four active young sons. Maddie readily offers her guest room, and Hannah arrives two weeks later. She adapts to the rhythm of life on the Cape quite easily, making new friends and feeling the flow of writing as well. Oh, and there are a couple of men in her orbit, her former high school crush Spencer who is now a lawyer in town and bestselling author Niall, who like Hannah is summering on the Cape but lives in NYC. It turns out that Hannah is not the only person in her family whose life has hit a snag…Sara is feeling under-appreciated in her role as wife and mother, and her husband is not supportive of her finding a new outlet to challenge herself, while Maddie and Richie’s relationship has drifted apart to the point that they are living separately. Together and separately, the women search for the life balance and love they need against the backdrop of the beautiful seaside town they call home.
Most readers can relate to a person whose life needs a reboot for one reason or another, as the characters in The Seaside Sisters do. Hannah is mourning the death of her mother, and coming back to the town where she grew up is a healthy step in the right direction, as is spending time with the remaining members of her family. She isn’t looking for love but, as others in the story tell her more than once, that is often when it finds you. Which is the better choice for her, the hometown boy who is happy living right where he is when Hannah is sure that she wants to return to her life in Brooklyn? Or the wealthy and charming writer who prefers city life as she does? Does she even want either one at this point? For Maddie, did she and Richie stop putting in the work to keep their love alive? What does she want from their relationship and her life at this point? And for Sara, how can she make her husband and sons realize that while she loves them she needs more, and needs them to want it for her? This is a pleasant story, situated in a charming town full of warm and welcoming people. Those looking for a gentle story rather than sizzling action between the sheets will find it here. Readers of Susan Mallory, Jan Moran and Mary Kay Andrews will find The Seaside Sisters a quick summer read, particularly if they want a vicarious trip to the Cape to boot. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Griffin for allowing me early access.